Born in 1965 in the vibrant city of Atlanta, GA, Van Stiefel has emerged as a formidable force in the world of guitar music. His journey is marked by a profound integration of improvisational mastery, electric guitar innovation, and the strategic use of interactive technologies, establishing him as a pioneering composer, guitarist, producer, and author. From his current base in Avondale, PA, he has brought to life an extensive portfolio of over fifty compositions, each illustrating his profound influence on the contemporary music scene.
His musical voyage commenced in his early years, initially sparked by the enchanting sounds of the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour. This early engagement with music led his parents to gift him a ukulele, setting the stage for a lifelong musical exploration. By the age of six, he was already delving into guitar lessons, with his father acting as his first mentor. His musical landscape expanded significantly through his involvement with the Atlanta Boy Choir, where he was exposed to the grandeur of classical music, further enriched by tours in notable locations like England, Italy, and the United States.
Dr. Van Stiefel’s dedication to mastering classical guitar was nurtured at Maple Street Guitars in Atlanta, leading to significant academic recognition at Yale College with the Cox Prize for Music Composition. His academic pursuits advanced further with a Masters in Guitar Performance from the Yale School of Music and a Certificate in Advanced Musical Studies from the Banff Centre, where he was celebrated as the Andre Segovia Memorial Fellow.
